Types of Skin Pigmentation
Melasma — Chronic, hormonally influenced pigmentation with symmetrical brown-grey patches on the cheeks, upper lip, forehead and chin. Triggered by UV exposure and hormonal changes. Notoriously difficult to treat — aggressive laser worsens it.
Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH) — Dark marks after acne, injury or inflammation. Responds well to Q-switched laser and topical lightening agents over 3–6 months.
Solar Lentigines (Sun Spots) — Flat, discrete brown spots from cumulative UV exposure. Respond very well to Q-switched laser — significant clearance often in 1–3 sessions.
Freckles — Genetic, UV-exacerbated pigmentation. Respond well to Q-switched laser but tend to recur with sun exposure without protection.
Why Laser Can Worsen Melasma
Melasma involves deep dermal pigment and chronic melanocyte hyperactivity. Aggressive laser — particularly high-energy Q-switched or fractional ablative — can trigger melanocyte stimulation, causing paradoxical darkening after initial improvement. The correct approach: sub-ablative, low-energy Q-switched laser toning; topical maintenance (hydroquinone, tranexamic acid); strict SPF 50+; and oral photoprotection (Heliocare Luminance with Fernblock® technology).
Pigmentation Treatments at IN Eternity Clinic
R2 Glow Laser — Multi-pass Q-switched protocol for progressive brightening calibrated for Asian skin tones (Fitzpatrick III–V). Zero downtime. Effective for PIH, solar lentigines, freckles and mild melasma.
FSX Laser LCLR® — Addresses pigmentation alongside pore reduction, skin tightening and collagen remodelling in one session.
Heliocare Luminance — Oral photoprotection with Fernblock® technology. Clinically proven to reduce hyperpigmentation in Asian women. Recommended as an adjunct to all pigmentation laser treatments.
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All treatments performed personally by Dr Sin Yong at Orchard Road, Singapore.
WhatsApp +65 8023 7170Frequently Asked Questions
Solar lentigines and freckles often see significant improvement in 1–3 sessions. PIH requires 4–8 sessions. Melasma requires ongoing management — 6–10 sessions for initial improvement, then maintenance every 2–3 months.
Yes — particularly melasma, which recurs with UV exposure, hormonal changes or skin inflammation. Consistent sun protection and maintenance treatments prevent recurrence.
Yes, when performed by an experienced physician using appropriate protocols for Asian skin. The risk of PIH from laser is higher in Fitzpatrick III–V skin (typical of Singapore patients) if energy levels are too high. Dr Sin Yong calibrates all laser treatments to the patient's skin tone at every session.
A combination approach: low-energy Q-switched laser toning, topical lightening agents, oral photoprotection (Heliocare Luminance), and rigorous daily SPF 50+. Melasma management is a long-term commitment — no single treatment eliminates it.